Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is a disease characterized by excessive and continuous drinking despite negative health, social, and legal consequences. An alcoholic’s cravings can feel as strong as the need for food and water. They make alcohol feel like a necessity. Long-term heavy drinking can increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, liver damage, brain damage, and birth defects.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse:
- Drinking to calm nerves or forget worries
- Lying about drinking and trying to hide drinking habits
- Medical, social, or financial troubles caused by drinking
- Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities due to drinking
- Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, like driving
Alcohol withdrawal can cause severe symptoms such as heart failure, seizures, and even death. Because of this, people seeking treatment for alcohol abuse should consider a medically supervised detox.
It is hard to pinpoint the causes of alcoholism because the disease is unique to the individual. It is sometimes due to major life changes like shifts in employment, failing health, or the death of a loved one. These changes create feelings of loneliness, boredom, anxiety, and depression.
If you believe you or a loved one suffers from alcohol addiction, call Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center at 954-734-2001. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to schedule no-cost assessments and provide additional information.